Barcelona to hijack Chelsea Stones deal

Chelsea are to be dealt another blow in the transfer market by not only missing out on Everton’s John Stones, but also see him join Barcelona.

Chelsea made a number of bids in the summer for the defender but were rebuked every time by Everton who were adamant the England international was not for sale at any price, despite Stones handing in a transfer request.

It is widely believed that Chelsea make another attempt to sign Stones but were willing to wait until the summer to do so. Their appalling defending so far this season, and the fact that they now face competition from both Barcelona and Manchester United for the 21-year-old means they will have bring it forward to January.

Barcelona have recently sent scouts to watch Stones, and he was praised by the Champions League holders’ centre-back Gerrard Pique who compared him to both John Terry and Rio Ferdinand.

Chelsea have believed for some time that Stones is a natural replacement at the back for club captain Terry.